I recently had a stressful proctored interview where I had to download software and keep my camera on throughout. They presented me with four coding questions, which were somewhat similar to those found on coding practice sites, but I couldn't answer a single one. As a senior computer science student graduating this May, I'm feeling overwhelmed. I realize I've leaned too much on AI assistance during my studies, and I haven't fully developed my problem-solving skills. My resume is solid, showcasing full-stack apps and a few internships, but I did much of that work with AI help. When I try to code independently, I struggle. I bought NeetCode and started using LeetCode, but even the easy problems feel impossible to tackle without consulting videos first. I'm also taking a system design course, but I'm unsure where to focus my efforts. What can I do to enhance my problem-solving skills at this point? How should I prepare for job interviews given my current situation? I'd really appreciate any guidance!
2 Answers
Honestly, it's all about diving back into the basics. Programming is fundamentally about breaking down big problems into smaller, manageable parts. Start with simple projects that interest you. For example, try creating a simple game or a basic app. Ask yourself, 'What’s the first small thing I can do?' and build from there. Don’t worry if your initial code isn't clean—just get something working and then refine it. Working on personal projects will really boost your understanding and confidence!
You've already identified the issue; relying on AI means you missed out on the hands-on learning part. Think of AI like a crutch—it can help, but if you don't learn to walk, you'll struggle. Go back to the fundamentals and tackle problems without assistance. Perhaps use coding platforms just to practice, and gradually increase the difficulty. Watching videos should come after you try something independently.
Got it! So, tackle the problems first, then watch the explanations. Do you think writing down my thought process while coding might help too?
That sounds like solid advice! So you think I should really just create my own little projects from scratch instead of leaning on AI tools?